Authorities have sentenced a woman after she allegedly murdered her mother, cut up the body with a chainsaw, and 'grilled' the remains.
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Candace Craig, 46, was sentenced last week to life in prison without parole after reportedly murdering her mother, Margaret Craig, 71, back in May 2023. Per a report by ABC7, prosecutors alleged that Craig had been stealing her mother's pension and benefits. When confronted by her mother, Craig allegedly killed her over the disagreement. The prosecution also alleged that Craig tried to hide her mother's death so the pension money and benefits would keep coming in.
The outlet explains that prosecutors and police say Craig used a chainsaw and other items to dismember her mother. She reportedly tried to burn the remains and stuffed body parts inside bags. Per a
press release by the Prince George County State's Attorney's Office in November 2024, the jury returned a guilty verdict after reviewing the evidence.The press release also states: "In addition to first-degree murder, Craig has been convicted of second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and disposing of a body in an unauthorized place."
Candace Craig's Daughter Pleaded Guilty To Accessory After Helping Mother
Per multiple news outlets, including People, Candace's Daughter, Salia Hardy, 21, testified that she heard a scream on the day of the murder. She also recalled her mother telling her to stay away from her grandmother's bedroom. She reportedly found the body in her grandmother's room the following day. According to a report from DCNewsNow, Craig told Hardy they had to get rid of the DNA with "acid, burning the body, or chopping it up."
The pair tried to burn the body after purchasing grilling supplies from Home Depot, but it didn't work. Neighbors reportedly called the fire brigade as the fire spread. Hardy allegedly said that Craig bought a chainsaw after the grilling incident. She then started cutting the body into pieces the next day, per FOX5.
Police eventually uncovered the plan to conceal the death of Margaret Craig on January 2, 2023, when a neighbor reported her missing. Police arrived at the residence and, according to People, found evidence all over the place, including brain matter in a trash bag.
When quizzed about why she helped Craig, Hardly simply responded, "Because my mother asked me."
According to ABC7, authorities released Hardy from jail, and she will remain on supervised probation for five years.
